Over 70 percent of the nation’s electricity requirement is being met through thermal power stations at present. The National Movement of Electricity Consumers warns that against this backdrop, there is a risk that electricity tariffs will increase further.

The Norochcholai, New Laxapana and Canyon Power Plants and a section of the Kelanitissa Power Plants are still inactive.

As a result 515 megawatts of electricity has been lost on the national grid. National electricity generation on Thursday was at 33.373 gigawatts per hour, with 72.8 percent of this power coming from thermal power plants.

The balance is being generated through hydro and wind power plants. The National Movement of Electricity Consumers says that given the situation, the Ceylon Electricity Board is now purchasing electricity from privately owned thermal power plants at a high cost.

The National Movement of Electricity Consumers also points out that given the prevailing situation, estimates that are being prepared by the CEB, are problematic.
Adviser of National Movement of Electricity Consumers, Bandula Chandrasekara said:  “When considering the estimates prepared by the CEB last year, they prepared for an estimated loss of 38 billion rupees. But since we received plenty of rainfall last year, 6000 gigawatts per hour were generated through hydro power enabling the CEB to post an operating profit of 19 billion. Over the recent past, the CEB has continuously attempted to burden the people with an excessively high electricity bill, using false estimates.”

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